If you do not mind viewing Netflix and Hulu on your PC, the computer is the easiest way to view content from these streaming sites.

However, if you have a big TV set in the living room, you will naturally prefer to use a bigger screen. This is where media streamers come in.

Essentially, they are compact Internet TV boxes with preloaded channels, which you can connect to your TV set. These boxes will have HDMI-out ports for connecting to the TV or, better still, linking to your home AV receiver system for life-like surround sound.

Tablets and smartphones

Apple scores high in making it easy. Just log in with your US iTunes account and you will be able to access the US App Store.

Search for your favourite streaming apps and download them to your device. You will need to be connected via VPN to launch them.

Strangely, it is harder to switch to the US Google Play Store on Android devices, such as the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S5.

You need to search for the .apk files of the apps and "sideload" them into your Android device.

Apple TV,$148, from Apple stores and online

Apple TV is an excellent choice for a media streamer, except that it does not have Amazon Instant Video.

In recent months, Apple has expanded its list of streaming apps and now has PBS, ABC, Crackle, Netflix and Hulu Plus.

To change your country settings from Singapore to US to get these apps, go to Settings, then iTunes Store and change the location to the US. You will also need to create a US iTunes account to pay for the content.

If you are a ViewQwest VPN customer, the local ISP has added PPTV, Youku and other China streaming sites to the Trailers app on Apple TV, although you do need to tweak the settings to activate this.

These are the same versions of the apps which are shown in China. They have a lot more content than the international versions, which people here are more familiar with.

Apple TV also offers a-la-carte rentals and purchases of the latest Hollywood movies.

For beginners, Apple TV is the best choice. Its sleek silver remote control is impressive.

You can also download an app on your iPhone or iPad and use your mobile device instead of the remote control.